Scientist who turned sheds into space labs

Prof Udupi Ramachandra Rao played a stellar role in shaping key space programmes that propelled India into the big league of space.

As chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology which led to the successful launch of ASLV rocket and the PSLV launch vehicle.

K Kasturirangan, former chairman of ISRO, who began his career under Rao, spoke of the “incredible energy and tremendous belief” that he had in everything he did. Having worked with him on India's first satellite 'Aryabhata' in 1975, Kasturirangan reminised about the inspiring experience.

Peenya experience

In a bid to save time, Rao decided to convert sheds in Peenya as laboratories for the Aryabhata satellite project, and it was completed within 36 months, he recalled.

"Rao's entusiasm, passion and deep commitment to science were what swayed me to move to Bengaluru when the ISRO headquarters was being set up here," Kasturirangan said. He also remembers Rao setting up the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

Apart from being a great scientist, Rao was also an incredible systems engineer and a great leader and always brought out the best in everyone around, Kasturirangan said.

Dr T K Alex, former director, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), describes Rao as one of the pioneers of space science in India.

He also spoke of Rao's consistent involvement in almost all Indian space programmes, from the first satellite 'Aryabhata' in 1975 to the mission to the Moon (Chandrayan-1) to Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyan) in one capacity or the other.

Supportive boss

Chandrakant Shikre, former director, Jawaharlal Nehru planetarium, Bengaluru, remembers Rao as an able administrator who was extremely supportive during his long association with the planetarium.

"He was a mentor to all the employees of ISRO. Under is leadership, applications of space technology for civilian use saw a marked increase," Shikre told DH.

Immensely interested in cosmic rays, Rao was always keen to learn more about them. Even in his advanced years, he wrote and published papers in several publications.